Holder for sheet material

ABSTRACT

A device for holding sheet material, such as sewing patterns, in a generally flattened condition comprising a backing support having a pair of backing members hingedly connected together to fold from first positions in which the holder is open to a second position in which the holder is closed. A number of stacked sheets are secured to one margin of the backing support with the sheets being individually movable about such margin and disposed to define dividers for sheet material to be held by the device. A tie-down means is provided to hold the backing members in their closed positions.

United States Patent Woodward, Jr.

[ HOLDER FOR SHEET MATERIAL [72] Inventor: Henry L'. Woodward, Jr., P.O. Box 384, Los Altos, Santa Clara County, Calif. 94020 [22] Filed: Dec. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 99,902

[52] U.S. Cl. ..206/1 A, 206/46 AP [5! 1 Int. Cl ..A45c 11/00 [58] Field of Search ..206/1 A, 46 AP, 47 R [56] References Cited UNITEDSTATES PATENTS 761,997 6/1904 Randolph ..229/77 1,533,235 4/1925 Davidson ......206/1 A FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 925,719 9/1947 France ..206/5 7 R 51 Sept. 19, 1972 Primary Examiner-M, Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-Edwin D. Grant Attorney-Townsend and Townsend 57 ABSTRACT A device for holding sheet material, such as sewing patterns, in a generally flattened condition comprising a backing support having a pair of backing members hingedly connected together to fold from first positions in which the holder is open to a second position in which the holder is closed. A number of stacked sheets are secured to one margin of the backing support with the sheets being individually movable about such margin and disposed to define dividers for sheet material to be held by the device. A tie-down means is provided to hold the backing members in their closed positions.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PNENTED I972 3,692,170

ATTORNEYS I i': INVENTOR, 40V: 1 [+3 553 12 HENRY LWOODWARD JR L J 1*) 'F-IU BY HOLDER FOR SHEET MATERIAL This invention relates to improvements in the storage of sheet material, such as sewing patterns or the like, and, more particularly, to a quickly formed holder for sheet material.

While the present invention may be utilized for use with sheet material of different types, it is especially suitable for use in holding sewing patterns for storage. A problem is oftentimes encountered by a person using conventional paper sewing patterns as to what to do with such paper patterns and the fabric patterns or panels which are cut from fabric material using the paper patterns as guides. The paper patterns are usually pinned to the fabric patterns and remain so until the fabric patterns are stitched together. When the interruption occurs before such fabric patterns are all connected to complete a garment, they are usually put in a pile or rolled up together, and then placed in some outof-the-way place, such as in a closet or on a shelf. In any case, the patterns are stored in a disorderly fashion and clutter up the storage location. When the work is taken up again, considerable effort must oftentimes be expended to identify and separate the patterns so that the work can proceed as before the interruption.

The present invention, on the other hand, provides a simple way of quickly and easily storing such patterns in an orderly fashion and in a manner such that they can be contained and confined intact without having to pile them together or roll them up or otherwise put them in a disorderly heap as has been done in the past. With the invention, a relatively large number of patterns can be stored in a relatively small space. Moreover, the holder is constructed such that it can be compacted into a flattened shape so that it can be placed in a suitable location, such as a closet, along a wall or on a shelf, without requiring any appreciable space whatsoever. It can be made of relatively inexpensive materials and can withstand rough handling while at all times protecting the patterns therein. It is of sufficiently lightweight construction so that it can be easily carried from place to place, such as between the homes and a classroom where sewing classes are held.

The essence of the invention is the provision of a foldable backing support having a plurality of flexible sheets secured to one margin thereof, the sheets being stacked together so that they can, one after another, be moved about the margin of the backing support and serve as dividers for the patterns placed between the sheets. The backing support can be folded along a centerline to, in turn, fold the sheets as the patterns remain therebetween. Then the two sides of the backing sup port can be connected together to form a closed container which holds the patterns in flattened conditions within the sheets and between the sides of the backing support.

The primary object of this invention is, therefore, to provide an improved device capable of holding sheet material between a plurality of stacked sheets and then collapsed into a compact form while the sheets are so held to permit the device to be easily stored while the sheet material is confined therein in a flattened condition to thereby render the device suitable for use in storing sewing patterns.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device of the type described wherein overlying margins of the sheets are secured to a common margin of a backing support forming part of the device so that the sheets can be moved one after another about the margin of the backing support and can thereby serve as dividers for groups of flat materials, such as sewing patterns, placed randomly between the sheets.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings for an illustration of an embodiment of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational viewof the holder of this invention with the holder in a closed condition;

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of the holder in an open condition, showing the various sheets thereof which define dividers for flat material between the sheets;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the open pattern holder, with certain of the sheets being broken away to illustrate flat materials, such as sewing patterns, on sheets therebelow;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view of the closed holder before the tie-down means thereof is tied to keep the holder closed; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 3 and showing a pocket on the inner surface of the holder.

The holder which is the subject: of this invention is broadly denoted by the numeral 10 and includes a backing support 11 having a pair of generally rigid backing members 12 and 14 which are flat and movable from generally coplanar positions shown in FIGSQZ and 3 to generally parallel, face-to-face positions shown in FIG. 4. Members 12 and 14 are interconnected at a fold line 16 and move about this fold line from their open positions to their closed positions. Members 12 and 14 may be of any material, such as cardboard, plastic and the like. For instance, they can be formed from a single sheet of cardboard which is creased or otherwise pre-formed to define fold line 16. The length of each member 12 and 14 is selected to provide a desired area for supporting sheet material in a manner to be described.

Fastener or tie-down means is provided to releasably maintain the holder in its closed condition as shown in FIG. 1. For purposes of illustration, the tie-down means comprises a pair of cords 18 and 20 secured in any suitable manner to respective members 12 and 14 centrally thereof adjacent to the outer marginal edges thereof. Thus, when members 12 and 14 are in their closed positions as shown in FIG. 4, cords 18 and 20 can be tied together to keep the members closed. Another form of the tie-down means is shown in FIG. 1 and comprises a single cord 22 which is separate from members 12 and 14 and which can be wrapped around members 12 and 14 several times and then tied to keep 7 the members closed. Other forms of tie down means, such as snap fasteners or the like, can be utilized for this purpose.

Sheet structure broadly denoted by the numeral 24 is coupled with members 12 and 14 for defining dividers for sheet material to be held by holder 10. For purposes of illustration only, such sheet material will hereinafter be referred to as sewing patterns although it is to be understood that other types of sheet material can be held by holder 10. Structure 24 includes a number of flexible sheets 26, 28, 30 and 32 which are stacked so as to overlie each other. These sheets are secured at prox- -imalmarginal edges to one margin of backing support 11, specifically, to the aligned marginal edge portions 34 and 36 (FIG. 3) of members 12 and 14, respectively; the sheets being broken away in FIG. 3 to show the locations of these marginal edge portions. The sheets can be formed from fabric material or can be of relatively thin plastic material. The sheets can be secured to such marginal edge portions in any suitable manner, such as by stitching 38. Other forms of connectors, such as small rivets, small clamps or the like, can be used for this purpose. The sheets are, therefore, free to be moved one after another about the stitching or other fastening means relative to members 12 and 14 so as to provide access to the sheets thereunder when members 12 and 14 are in their open, coplanar positions. The sizes of the sheets vary as shown in FIG. 3, the sheet 32 nearest members 12 and 14 being the largest sheet with the other sheets progressively decreasing in size. This feature facilitates the separation of the sheets so that a first sheet above a second sheet can be more easily grasped for movement about stitching 38 to expose the next succeeding sheet.

A pair of panels 40 and 42 are secured to the lower margins of members 12 and 14 as shown in FIG. 5 to define pockets for accessories, such as additional patterns, scissors, needles, thread and the like. Panels 40 and 42 are secured along three side margins to members 12 and 14, respectively, the fourth margin being free to move away from the backing support to permit insertion of an accessory.

In use, holder is opened on a flat surface, such as a tabletop or the like. Members 12 and 14 then support sheets 26, 28, 30 and 32 from beneath, the sheets being flat and in a stack with respect to each other. Sheets 26, 28 and 30 can be moved about marginal edge portions 34 and 36 and one or more sewing patterns 43 can be placed on the bottom sheet, preferably on one side of fold line l6'if the size of the pattern permits. Then, sheet 30 is moved onto the sheet 32 and patterns 43 thereon. One or more additional patterns 44 can then be placed on sheet'30. Sheet 28 is then moved onto sheet 30 and patterns 44 thereon and one or more additional patterns 46 can be placed on the exposed surface of sheet 28. Then, sheet 26 is moved onto sheet 28 and patterns 46, at which time the holder is then ready to be closed. Backing support 11 is then folded about fold line 16 to bring members 12 and 14 together as sheet 26 is manually held at the loose corners thereof to keep the sheets flat while folding the backing support. This will keep the sheets from falling inwardly toward fold line 16 and keep the patterns between the sheets from being disarrayed. When the holder is closed, cords l8 and are tied together to keep members 12 and 14 in the closed positions as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. If any pattern extends across the plane of fold line 16, the pattern will be folded as backing members 12 and 14 are brought together since the patterns themselves are flexible. This will not damage the pattern.

The patterns can be quickly placed between the sheets and the backing support can be easily tied down in its closed condition to minimize the time to place the patterns in condition to be stored in a closet or the like. At the same time, the patterns will be protected from damage since they are substantially enclosed and can remain flat at all times in holder 10. Also, holder 10 can be used, if need be, to support the patterns during a sewing operation. Thus, at the end of the operation, the sheets need only be smoothed out and the backing support folded and tied down to form a closed container for the patterns.

Holder 10 can also be provided with a means for holding the envelope 50 in which paper sewing patterns are merchandised. Such holding means includes a frame-like member 52 which is secured along longitudinal portions of three of its sides to the outer surface of member 12 to present a space between the three sides and member 12, the fourth side of member 52 being free to allow the pattern envelope to move into and out of such space. Since pattern envelopes are generally of a conventional size, the frame can be made to size accordingly. The dashed line position of the envelope shows it before it is moved into the space defined by the frame. In this way, the user of holder 10 can see at a glance what pattern is being held within holder 10.

In the claims:

1. A device for holding sheet material comprising: a backing support having a marginal edge portion and a fold line permitting the backing support to be moved from a first, open condition to a second, closed condition; a number of sheets, each sheet having a first margin secured to said marginal edge portion of the backing support, said sheets being in stacked relationship with at least certain of the sheets overlying the fold line and with each sheet being movable relative to an adjacent sheet to permit sheet material to be placed therebetween; and means for releasably maintaining the backing support in its closed condition.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sheets are of different areas, the areas of the sheets progressively increasing as the backing support is approached.

3. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided a panel means defining a pocket on the inner surface of the backing support.

4. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided means on the outer surface of the backing support for releasably holding an envelope thereon.

5. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fold line defines a pair of hingedly interconnected, generally flat backing members, said members being generally coplanar when the backing support is in its open condition and being in substantially face-to-face relationship when the backing support is in its closed condition.

6. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein each sheet is confined within the outer periphery of said backingsupport.

7. A holder for sewing patterns comprising: a backing support having a marginal edge portion and a fold line defining a pair of generally rigid, hingedly interconnected backing members, said marginal edge portion being generally perpendicular to and intersected by the fold line when the members are generally coplanar with each other; a plurality of flexible sheets, each sheet having a first margin; means securing the first margins of said sheets to said marginal edge portion of the backing support to permit the sheets to be moved into stacked relationship thereon and into overlying relationship to the fold line when the backing members are coplanar with each other, whereby a sewing pattern can be placed between each pair of adjacent sheets, the backing members being movable about the fold line toward each other to cause the portions of each sheet on opposite sides of the fold line to move into substantially stacked relationship to each other.

8. A holder as set forth in claim 7, wherein said sheets are of fabric material, said securing means inother; and means for releasably connecting the backing 5 cludmg a me of Smchmg' members after they have been moved toward each 

1. A device for holding sheet material comprising: a backing support having a marginal edge portion and a fold line permitting the backing support to be moved from a first, open condition to a second, closed condition; a number of sheets, each sheet having a first margin secured to said marginal edge portion of the backing support, said sheets being in stacked relationship with at least certain of the sheets overlying the fold line and with each sheet being movable relative to an adjacent sheet to permit sheet material to be placed therebetween; and means for releasably maintaining the backing support in its closed condition.
 2. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the sheets are of different areas, the areas of the sheets progressively increasing as the backing support is approached.
 3. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided a panel means defining a pocket on the inner surface of the backing support.
 4. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided means on the outer surface of the backing support for releasably holding an envelope thereon.
 5. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein said fold line defines a pair of hingedly interconnected, generally flat backing members, said members being generally coplanar when the backing support is in its open condition and being in substantially face-to-face relationship when the backing support is in its closed condition.
 6. A device as set forth in claim 1, wherein each sheet is confined within the outer periphery of said backing support.
 7. A holder for sewing patterns comprising: a backing support having a marginal edge portion and a fold line defining a pair of generally rigid, hingedly interconnected backing members, said marginal edge portion being generally perpendicular to and intersected by the fold line when the members are generally coplanar with each other; a plurality of flexible sheets, each sheet having a first margin; means securing the first margins of said sheets to said marginal edge portion of the backing support to permit the sheets to be moved into stacked relationship thereon and into overlying relationship to the fold line when the backing members are coplanar with each other, whereby a sewing pattern can be placed between each pair of adjacent sheets, the backing members being movable about the fold line toward each other to cause the portions of each sheet on opposite sides of the fold line to move into substantially stacked relationship to each other; and means for releasably connecting the backing members after they have been moved toward each other.
 8. A holder as set forth in claim 7, wherein said sheets are of fabric material, said securing means including a line of stitching. 